Valparaiso freshman sprinter Julian Smith (Chicago, Ill./Brother Rice) was voted ‘The People’s Choice’ on the Horizon League Network after being named the league’s Male Runner of the Week on April 12. Smith is currently spotlighted in the latest edition of ‘The People’s Choice’ on the league website via phone interview.

Smith was up for ‘The People’s Choice’ voting after his performance at the Chicagoland Championships on April 9. The rookie won the 200m dash in 21.92 seconds, fourth-fastest in Valpo history. He also ran a close second in the 100m dash as well, covering that distance in 10.84 seconds, third-fastest all-time by a Crusader and the swiftest in the last 25 years.

In the interview on the Horizon League website, Smith talks with HLN’s Will Haskett about his thoughts on both races and about taking advantage of the first outdoor meet of the year contested under ideal weather conditions. Smith also talks about at what point he knows he’s in for a good day on the track and about staying busy on the day of the meet. Finally, the freshman looks ahead towards the last couple weeks of the season and what it will take for him to keep improving on his top times.